La Jolla Real Estate Blog: July 2008

"The Village of La Jolla"... what a delightful pleasure it is to leisurely stroll the streets (Girard, Prospect, Coast & Pearl) of the Village and enjoy the European traditions of sidewalk cafes, shopping in sophisticated boutiques, enjoying world class cuisine in the many restaurants, and visiting the Children's Pool to watch the baby seals.

The center or focal point of the "jewel", known as the Village of La Jolla, features older cottages, many remodeled, and charming and sophisticated condominiums with ocean views. Most homes in the Village are on small lots, but very charming, and any oceanfront homes near or in the Village are highly sought after.

There are several condominium projects throughout the village of La Jolla and many with spectacular ocean and coastal views, including the 939 Coast building. Enjoy the Village lifestyle of easy living by the coast and in the heart of La Jolla!

To view any of the current listings available in the Village of La Jolla or for more information, contact Susan at (760) 567-9100 or visit our website at www.LJ-Homes.com.

SHORT SALES are in every community, including the jewel of Southern California... La Jolla.  A "short sale" can happen when a property has little or no equity, that is, the seller owes at closing time more than the property is worth. In these situations, lenders are sometimes willing to accept less than the full amount due, commonly referred to a "short pay" or "short sale." If you are in the market for a good deal, you might want to look at these listings, while they are still available.

La Jolla Racquet Club - 2 bdrms/2 baths, 1,240 sq. ft.

• Original List Price:       $387,900
• Current List Price:        $319,900
• Current Mortgage:       $361,200 with Washington Mutual 6/2007

Southpointe - 3 bdrms/2 ½ baths, 1,500 sq. ft.

• Original List Price:       $525,000
• Current List Price:        $525,000
• Owner Purchased for:   $538,500 in 6/2004

La Jolla Village Tennis Club - 2+ bdrms/3 baths, 1,708 sq. ft.

• Original List Price:       $519,900
• Current List Price:       $489,900
• Owner Purchased for:  $410,000 in 5/2003

Beach-Barber Tract - 4 bdrms/3 baths, 2,124 sq. ft.

• Original List Price:       $1,394,876
• Current List Price:        $1,195,000
• Owner Purchased for:   $1,350,000 in 6/2005

Villa Tuscana - 1 bdrm/1bath, 506 sq. ft.

• Original List Price:       $229,000
• Current List Price:        $229,000
• Current Mortgage:       $239,920 with Countrywide 3/2005

Information is provided by Sandicor and believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed and subject to change without notice.

If you are interested in receiving the current short sale listings in any community of San Diego, contact Susan at (760) 567-9100 or visit our website at www.LJ-Homes.com.

Recently someone asked me why I had been in the business for over 20 years, and after reflection, I responded that I was "committed" to helping people find homes and was passionate about being a "professional" real estate agent.  Professional in the sense that I wanted to do everything with excellence, become the best in my profession, study and educate myself daily to be a better facilitator, and  work hard for the credentials to allow me to be able to better serve my community.

Perhaps growing up in an Air Force family and moving around the country set the stage for what would later become my profession.  Having moved frequently as a child, I understand the unique challenges for families with children and wanted to help facilitate their moves to new communities.  Nothing speaks better than having "walked the walk". 

I am committed to being a Realtor and am guided by the words of Abraham Lincoln, "Commitment is what transforms a promise into a reality.  It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions.  And the actions which speak louder than the words.  It is making the time when there is none.  Coming through time after time, year after year after year.  Commitment is the stuff character is made of, the power to change the face of things.  It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism."

Today Realtors face challenges unique to our profession, but after 22 years in the business, I can say that I have been on the roller coaster of real estate that has incredible highs and demoralizing lows and somehow, those of us who have stayed in the business know that tomorrow is a better day and we will be here for our clients due to our "commitment" to the profession.  I am honored to be among my fellow Realtors who demonstrate daily their commitment to serve the real estate needs of their clients, with integrity, professionalism and pride.

SOLEDAD SOUTH neighborhood in La Jolla, as its name implies, is on the southeast side of Mount Soledad.  This hilly La Jolla neighborhood offers affordable La Jolla living with older La Jolla homes built in the 1960s or later.  In addition to well-maintained neighborhood homes, there are master-planned and gated communities including Windemere, Ridgegate and Mount La Jolla. 

Windemere features homes and townhomes in a gated enclave centered around the tennis club, pools & park-like setting.  Ridgegate, is a newer community, featuring two story, multi-level homes throughout its hilly terrain. Ridgegate is a guard gated community with pool, spa and basketball court. Mount La Jolla is an older community with a park-like setting and with more recreational facilities than most other communities in La Jolla, including tennis, pools, spas, recreation center, walking trails and more.  Depending on the location, many of these homes have panoramic views to the south and to the eastern mountains in the distance.

Soledad South, although on top of the La Jolla "mountain", has easy access to the freeway.  Commuters can travel the short cut off of Via Capri to the north or through Pacific Beach to the south.  Soledad South is a favored community for its affordability, amenities and location.

To view any homes for sale in the La Jolla community of Soledad South, contact Susan at (760) 567-9100 or visit our website at www.LJ-Homes.com.

MUIRLANDS WEST  in La Jolla, also known as West Muirlands, is nestled between the La Jolla Country Club and and its more stately neighborhood, the Muirlands.

Muirlands West is a lovely area of La Jolla and features traditional homes, with many older homes now being upgraded and remodeled.  Muirlands West offers a peaceful setting of mature landscaping, winding streets, and balmy, ocean breezes. 

Close to the Village, shops, and schools, Muirlands West remains an affordable alternative to the coastline estate properties.

To view any of the Muirlands West homes for sale or for more information about Muirlands West, contact Susan at (760) 567-9100 or visit our website at www.LJ-Homes.com.

MUIRLANDS in La Jolla is located on the western slopes of Mount Soledad and south of the La Jolla Country Club.  Muirlands history goes as far back as the 1920's and is considered one of the first La Jolla neighborhoods to be developed along "Old Muirlands Drive".  This historic road is where you can still see the original street gutters built by ocean pebble rock.  It is reported that the original lots, now worth millions, were sold for $1,500 each in the 1930's! 

Muirlands features older estate homes and more modern homes built throughout this exclusive and coveted neighborhood.  These lovely properties are situated on large lots and shaded by ancient, stately trees.  Many of these fine homes have spectacular ocean views to the west.  As the streets meander through the Muirlands neighborhood, every twist and turn brings a new view of the unique architectural styles and beauty of this La Jolla treasure.

To view homes in La Jolla's Muirlands, please contact Susan at (760) 567-9100 or visit our website at www.LJ-Homes.com.

LA JOLLA is wonderful seaside community appropriately named "The Jewel" because it truly is the "gem" of Southern California. This popular beach destination has been around since the late 1800s and boasts of an illustrious history.  The Beach Boys added to its fame with their 1963 song "Surfin' USA"... "All over La Jolla... At Waimea Bay, everybodys gone surfin', surfin' U.S.A."

Pristine beaches, year-round 72 degree perfect San Diego weather, tide pools, sandy coves nestled between rocky bluffs, and panoramic views of the Pacific is just part of what makes La Jolla a very desirable place to call home. Up and down the coastline you'll come across areas of homes that represent the sixteen different neighborhoods of La Jolla. Real estate in this coastal village is represented by beach cottages, magnificent oceanfront properties, estates, as well as condominiums and apartments. The magnificent homes built high on the cliffs feature picturesque vistas of the ocean and the beaches below. 

Life in La Jolla is similar to living along the coast of the Mediterranean. As you descend the hills into the town, one is reminded of European resorts: sandy beaches, the glistening ocean, white stucco buildings with red tile roofs and an old mission with a bell tower all blend with the diversity of the natural surroundings. Walk past the sidewalk cafes and you hear multiple languages being spoken and know that La Jolla is an international destination.

La Jolla is an active community where you‘ll find visitors and residents always out and about. The business district of La Jolla Village consists of office buildings, hotels, a variety of restaurants, the nearby  UTC mall and other shopping centers. You'll also come across many condominium communities located near the UCSD campus, a favorite place for the students to reside.

La Jolla occupies seven miles of curving coastline jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. Although officially a part of San Diego, it retains its own small-town atmosphere, its own civic pride, and its own La Jolla postmark and zip code (92037).  La Jolla is widely known for high-end boutiques, import shops,  gourmet restaurants, and art galleries located on Prospect Street and Girard Avenue.  The La Jolla Art Museum is popular with locals and visitors.  A few recreation centers and parks are available for picnics, playing sports, flying kites, or just to take in the beautiful scenery. Many people flock to La Jolla Cove, a beach nestled into cliffs that is favored by surfers, kayakers, divers and snorkelers. 

Outdoor recreation, diverse culture, a luxurious residential community surrounded by lush subtropical landscaping and fine weather - make La Jolla a favorite destination for visitors and those who desire to make their home here.   La Jolla is truly the "jewel" of the Southern California coast.

Looking for a retreat with ocean views in the heart of La Jolla?  LOWER HERMOSA is an older community in La Jolla developed in the 1920s and is considered one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in La Jolla.  Lower Hermosa is located south of Windansea Beach and north of the Bird Rock area.  This coveted La Jolla neighborhood has wide streets and one of the most beautiful coastlines in San Diego County.  Featuring some of the older and more classic residences in La Jolla, this area is a highly desirable area for La Jolla home buyers.  Camino de la Costa, one of the Lower Hermosa streets, is a tourist attraction for the beautiful oceanfront estates that line its lovely path. Known for its oceanfront properties, Lower Hermosa, also has a few small condominium complexes.

Interested in buying or selling your La Jolla home?  Contact Susan at (760) 567-9100 or visit our website at www.LJ-Homes.com, La Jolla's most comprehensive real estate website.

LA JOLLA, California has many neighborhoods, some of which I have described in previous posts.  Here is a map that shows the locations of the La Jolla neighborhoods.  If you are looking to buy or sell your La Jolla home, please contact Susan at (760) 567-9100.

Do you ever wonder what someone in another country pays for gasoline?  Do you ever wonder why they pay more or less than we do in La Jolla?  The other day I was at our desert home and decided to see what Costco charged for gas as opposed to a Shell station a block away.

vs.

To take it further, I went online to view what other countries pay for gas and here is a list below of what the average cost of gas is in other countries.  I continue to ponder why we are paying so much... there doesn't seem to be a rational reason.  If you have one, please let me know!